Today is October 30, 2023, and the Ballon d’Or 2023 ceremony will be held this evening in Paris, France. The nominees for the award are:
- Lionel Messi (PSG and Argentina)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City and Norway)
- Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain and France)
- Karim Benzema (Real Madrid and France)
- Luka Modric (Real Madrid and Croatia)
Messi is the favorite to win the award, having had a sensational season with both club and country. He scored 60 goals and provided 35 assists in all competitions for PSG, and he led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring 7 goals and providing 5 assists in the tournament.
Haaland is another strong contender for the award. He scored 42 goals in 45 appearances for Borussia Dortmund in all competitions last season, and he has already scored 23 goals in 18 appearances for Manchester City this season.
Mbappe is also a strong contender, having scored 39 goals in 46 appearances for PSG in all competitions last season. He also led France to the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring 8 goals in the tournament.
Benzema and Modric are also worthy nominees, having had excellent seasons with Real Madrid. Benzema scored 44 goals in 46 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions last season, and he led the club to victory in the UEFA Champions League. Modric helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Champions League and the La Liga title.
It will be interesting to see who wins the Ballon d’Or 2023 award. Messi is the favorite, but Haaland, Mbappe, Benzema, and Modric are all worthy contenders.
